Managing commercial fishing

Seafood is one of New Zealand's top export earners – fisheries exports were worth $1.7 billion in 2016 alone. Maintaining this industry sustainably is important, and the Quota Management System (QMS) plays a central role.

New Zealand's Quota Management System

Every year, an annual catch limit is set for each fish stock (commercial fish species). Fishers can be allocated a share of the total allowed catch for a species. This helps us to control the amount of fish taken, and keep fisheries sustainable.

Managing customary fishing

Tangata whenua have an enduring interest in their local fisheries – a right guaranteed to them by the Treaty of Waitangi.

Fish and seafood taken for customary use is controlled and authorised by appointed tangata kaitiaki/tangata tiaki (guardians), who report this catch to us. Government regulations also help to strengthen the rights of tangata whenua to manage their local fisheries.